The document is a city council agenda memorandum from the Finance Director regarding a presentation by Willdan Financial Services on their initial findings from a water and wastewater rate study and meter assessment. Willdan will present their findings and discuss modernizing the city's metering system with new solid-state meters and a cellular network, which provides more cost-effective long-term operations than a fixed network. The project is estimated to cost $29,500 which is budgeted for in the current fiscal year.
PPT Item # 5&6 - Water & Sewer Rate Studyahcitycouncil
The document provides information on a proposed rate update and meter assessment for a city council presentation. It summarizes meter testing results that found 12.7% inaccuracy across the current meter population. It compares the costs of upgrading the metering system to a cellular or fixed network option over 20 years, finding cellular to be more cost effective. Cashflow projections show a cellular network upgrade could be financially self-sustaining with limited capital contributions, and grant funding could provide substantial benefits including surplus cashflow.
2023 Winter Springs Water and Wastewater Rate Study PresentationVictoriaColangelo
This document presents a comprehensive study on water and wastewater rates for Winter Springs, covering the scope of projects, historical trends, comparisons with surrounding municipalities, and leveraging additional funding sources. It includes detailed forecasts, assumptions, capital improvement program funding, existing and proposed rate adjustments, monthly utility bill projections, revenue sufficiency analysis, and comparisons of local rates. The study concludes with findings and recommendations for rate adjustments over the next five fiscal years to ensure revenue sufficiency and account for capital improvement needs and inflationary impacts.
Winter Springs 2023 Water and Wastewater Rate StudyVictoriaColangelo
The City requested a comprehensive review of the sufficiency of water, sewer, and reclaimed water user rates to provide revenue for operations and capital improvements. As the City is engaging in a significant sewer capital upgrade and reinvestment program over the next few years which will require a focus on obtaining funding for the projects and setting the rates to support the capital program and potential new debt service payments. Raftelis Financial Consultants conducted the study with close support and cooperation by the City’s staff and engineering consultants. This presentation will discuss the development of the study, results and recommendations to the City and Commission.
This document summarizes a proposed improvement project along Austin Highway/Lower Broadway in Alamo Heights, Texas. It discusses the project scope, estimated costs, funding sources and gaps. The total estimated project cost is $31.6 million, with $15.3 million committed from various sources, leaving a $16.3 million funding gap. The city manager proposes filling this gap through a $13.25 million general obligation bond program that would increase the property tax rate by $0.02 per $100 of assessed home value.
This document provides an introduction and overview of key components for a financial model for a water and sanitation services (WSS) utility. It discusses the modeler's objective to best reproduce the utility's cash flow system. It outlines the main modules in a WSS financial model including the financial, operations, and assumptions modules. It also provides examples of key schedules and considerations for organizing a WSS financial model such as the dashboard, project data sheet, opening balance sheet, movement of main accounts, and cash flow statement.
This document provides an introduction and overview of key components for a financial model for a water and sanitation services (WSS) utility. It discusses the modeler's objective to best reproduce the utility's cash flow system. It outlines the main modules in a WSS financial model including the financial, operations, and assumptions modules. It also provides examples of key schedules and considerations for organizing a WSS financial model such as the dashboard, project data sheet, opening balance sheet, movement of main accounts, and cash flow statement.
Market research report, citywide ultra high speed broadband project, Palo AltoStephen Blum
The City of Palo Alto operates a 40-plus mile dark fiber network serving some of the biggest and most dynamic high tech companies in the world. Steve Blum, president of Tellus Venture Associates, analysed the potential and the cost of expanding the network, and presented his findings to the city's utility advisory committee on 1 June 2011.
PPT Item # 5&6 - Water & Sewer Rate Studyahcitycouncil
The document provides information on a proposed rate update and meter assessment for a city council presentation. It summarizes meter testing results that found 12.7% inaccuracy across the current meter population. It compares the costs of upgrading the metering system to a cellular or fixed network option over 20 years, finding cellular to be more cost effective. Cashflow projections show a cellular network upgrade could be financially self-sustaining with limited capital contributions, and grant funding could provide substantial benefits including surplus cashflow.
2023 Winter Springs Water and Wastewater Rate Study PresentationVictoriaColangelo
This document presents a comprehensive study on water and wastewater rates for Winter Springs, covering the scope of projects, historical trends, comparisons with surrounding municipalities, and leveraging additional funding sources. It includes detailed forecasts, assumptions, capital improvement program funding, existing and proposed rate adjustments, monthly utility bill projections, revenue sufficiency analysis, and comparisons of local rates. The study concludes with findings and recommendations for rate adjustments over the next five fiscal years to ensure revenue sufficiency and account for capital improvement needs and inflationary impacts.
Winter Springs 2023 Water and Wastewater Rate StudyVictoriaColangelo
The City requested a comprehensive review of the sufficiency of water, sewer, and reclaimed water user rates to provide revenue for operations and capital improvements. As the City is engaging in a significant sewer capital upgrade and reinvestment program over the next few years which will require a focus on obtaining funding for the projects and setting the rates to support the capital program and potential new debt service payments. Raftelis Financial Consultants conducted the study with close support and cooperation by the City’s staff and engineering consultants. This presentation will discuss the development of the study, results and recommendations to the City and Commission.
This document summarizes a proposed improvement project along Austin Highway/Lower Broadway in Alamo Heights, Texas. It discusses the project scope, estimated costs, funding sources and gaps. The total estimated project cost is $31.6 million, with $15.3 million committed from various sources, leaving a $16.3 million funding gap. The city manager proposes filling this gap through a $13.25 million general obligation bond program that would increase the property tax rate by $0.02 per $100 of assessed home value.
This document provides an introduction and overview of key components for a financial model for a water and sanitation services (WSS) utility. It discusses the modeler's objective to best reproduce the utility's cash flow system. It outlines the main modules in a WSS financial model including the financial, operations, and assumptions modules. It also provides examples of key schedules and considerations for organizing a WSS financial model such as the dashboard, project data sheet, opening balance sheet, movement of main accounts, and cash flow statement.
This document provides an introduction and overview of key components for a financial model for a water and sanitation services (WSS) utility. It discusses the modeler's objective to best reproduce the utility's cash flow system. It outlines the main modules in a WSS financial model including the financial, operations, and assumptions modules. It also provides examples of key schedules and considerations for organizing a WSS financial model such as the dashboard, project data sheet, opening balance sheet, movement of main accounts, and cash flow statement.
Market research report, citywide ultra high speed broadband project, Palo AltoStephen Blum
The City of Palo Alto operates a 40-plus mile dark fiber network serving some of the biggest and most dynamic high tech companies in the world. Steve Blum, president of Tellus Venture Associates, analysed the potential and the cost of expanding the network, and presented his findings to the city's utility advisory committee on 1 June 2011.
The document summarizes MTC's regional asset management program for streets and roads in the San Francisco Bay Area. The program uses StreetSaver software to collect pavement condition data across 109 jurisdictions. MTC provides funding incentives for preventative maintenance based on a jurisdiction's actual spending compared to StreetSaver recommendations. The program has improved road conditions while gaining local support through performance-based accountability and advocacy.
Market analysis of user-financed FTTP system in Palo AltoStephen Blum
The market potential and business case for a user-financed fiber to the premise system in Palo were evaluated by Tellus Venture Associates. Steve Blum, the president of the company, presented the findings to the city's utilities advisory committee on 6 June 2012.
Voice & data assessment presentation rhc 8.2013c3telecom
This document summarizes telecommunications services for a rural healthcare organization and identifies opportunities for savings. It provides an inventory of voice and data services, usage reports, and rate analyses. It identifies that C3 can conduct an assessment to find simple savings averaging 35% by eliminating waste, consolidating unused services, and implementing more efficient plans. C3 also assists with applications for the Healthcare Connect Fund to obtain up to 65% reimbursement for broadband connectivity improvements.
FJ Strategic Solutions Inc. provides facility life cycle costing and reserve study services to help prioritize projects and address risks with limited capital budgets. The facility life cycle costing approach applies analytics to facility data to provide a risk assessment of components and prioritized repair/replacement activities. A funding plan is then created to ensure cash flows are adequate. This process fosters strategic decision making by providing scenarios to evaluate life cycle risks and their impacts.
- The presentation provides an overview of Calix including its strategic focus on the access network, customer mix, revenue growth, and financial targets.
- Calix expects to achieve over 10% annual revenue growth and lower non-GAAP losses in 2017 compared to 2016.
- Key growth drivers include increasing market penetration with new customers, innovation enabling next generation networks, and infrastructure investment programs like the Connect America Fund.
Value of Solar Tariff Methodology: Proposed ApproachJohn Farrell
A presentation on the proposed approach to a value of solar energy methodology for Minnesota utilities. Presented by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and prepared by Clean Power Research, Oct. 1, 2013.
The document discusses American Water, the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States. It provides an overview of American Water's business, including its market capitalization, revenues, regulated and market-based segments, and growth strategies. American Water aims to invest $1 billion annually in its regulated operations and achieve long-term 7-10% earnings growth through regulated infrastructure spending and acquisitions as well as its market-based business opportunities.
The document provides an analysis of implementing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and a Meter Data Management System (MDM) for the City of College Station's electric and water utilities. It finds that implementing AMI for both electric and water would cost $21.6 million initially and $662,000 annually for operation and maintenance, but only provide a net benefit of $20.2 million over 10 years, resulting in a negative payback. The staff recommendation is to implement electric AMI at a cost of $9.2 million while deferring water AMI to install "AMI ready" meters and consider it in the future.
The document provides an overview of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita's pavement management program. It details the value of the city's street system assets, common funding sources for street maintenance, the city's past spending on street projects, and the benefits of implementing a pavement management program to optimize spending and maintain pavement quality over time. Key aspects of the city's current pavement management program are also summarized, including the pavement condition index system used and analysis of maintenance needs and budgets required to maintain the current average pavement quality.
Features of Successful Inclining Block Water Conservation Rate StructuresThe Texas Network, LLC
This document summarizes key features of successful inclining block water conservation rate structures. It discusses balancing priorities like sustainability, conducting a cost of service analysis, developing conservation rates, financial considerations like reserve policies and fixed cost recovery, examples of block sizing and pricing, and modeling changes in demand from price elasticity. The overall presentation provides guidance on effectively designing and implementing inclining block water rates to promote both conservation and financial sustainability.
This document provides an overview of key considerations for evaluating the project costing, economics, and developing a good business case for solar PV rooftop projects. It discusses various project investment models and how they affect components like warranties, taxes, and revenue sources. The document also outlines the major cost components, factors that influence costs, and approaches to determining tariffs and the levelized cost of energy. Sample calculations and scenarios are presented to compare different projects based on variables like tariffs, incentives, and loan terms. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of long-term energy generation, quality components, financing costs, and tariff patterns over the lifetime of the project.
LEVERAGING BIG DATA FOR INTELLIGENT WATER MANAGEMENTwle-ss
The document discusses how water utilities can leverage big data and artificial intelligence using integrated software from AVEVA and OSIsoft. It describes how their software helps water utilities improve efficiency, optimize assets, ensure safety and quality, and meet regulatory reporting requirements. The software allows utilities to collect data from various sources, store and analyze it in a centralized data hub, and gain insights to improve performance. Case studies show benefits like reducing water loss and deferred capital expenditures.
Final Presentation from Chester Group Rev 0Steven Quenzel
Chester Sensors achieved strong financial results over 8 rounds of simulation, with cumulative profits exceeding competitors by over 50% and the highest stock price. The company differentiated through reliable, cutting-edge sensors produced at affordable prices using automation. Looking ahead, Chester will introduce the highly automated Cyclops line to compete in ultra-high tech sectors while phasing out older product lines. Overall, Chester's focus on product lifecycle, R&D, and cost control supported consistent market leadership.
Harnessing the Power of Data to Improve Your CEDS: Bentley, Cowley, Galenado-web
This presentation was delivered at NADO's Annual Training Conference, held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 9-12, 2017.
Accessing, interpreting, and incorporating the right data are some of the most important tasks in writing an effective and compelling CEDS. This hands-on learning lab will highlight data tools and resources including StatsAmerica, BlastPoint, and the Area Sector Analysis Process (ASAP) that you can use to improve your CEDS and enable stakeholders to make more informed decisions. Make sure to bring your own laptop or tablet to follow along with the live demonstrations.
Marion Bentley, Director, Extension Business & Development Center, USU, Logan, UT
Russell Cowley, Executive Director, Six County AOG, Richfield, UT
Jody Gale, Sevier County & Southern Area Extension Agent, USU Cooperative Extension, Richfield, UT
Carol Rogers, Deputy Director and CIO, Indiana Business Research Center, Indianapolis, IN
Jeremy Shafton, Sales and Marketing Director, BlastPoint, Pittsburgh, PA
Nathan Ohle, Executive Director, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Washington, DC, Moderator
- The document reports on the third quarter 2017 results and provides guidance for full year 2017 results for TDS Telecom and U.S. Cellular.
- It summarizes key metrics such as total operating revenues, adjusted OIBDA, capital expenditures, and customer connections.
- It notes that U.S. Cellular and HMS management revised long-range forecasts, triggering goodwill impairment losses totaling $262 million for TDS and $370 million for U.S. Cellular.
TDS Telecom reported third quarter 2017 results with the following highlights:
- Total operating revenues were $285 million, down 1% year-over-year.
- Wireline revenues grew 2% driven by growth in IPTV and residential revenue per connection.
- Cable revenues increased 12% from broadband growth of 10%.
- Hosted and Managed Services revenues declined 18% from lower hardware installation spending.
- Adjusted EBITDA was $80 million, up 14% year-over-year, driven by growth in Wireline and Cable offset by declines in Hosted and Managed Services.
The City Council will consider adopting new water and wastewater impact fees at their September 22nd meeting. Staff have completed the necessary studies to calculate maximum allowable fees and are recommending fees significantly lower. The recommended fees are estimated to generate $32.4 million over 10 years to fund $200 million in needed capital projects while keeping utility rate increases lower than otherwise needed. A public hearing will be held before the Council takes action on the impact fee ordinance.
The document discusses a study on customer satisfaction of mobile phone subscribers in India. It provides background information on SIM cards and the growth of mobile subscribers in India. It then outlines the objectives of the study, which are to analyze the relationship between various demographic and service factors and monthly expenditure. The methodology section describes the data collection and cleaning process, as well as the statistical techniques used - cross tabulation, Pareto analysis, and factor analysis. The results section presents the findings of the different association tests and factor analysis. In summary, the document aims to understand customer satisfaction with mobile services in India through statistical analysis of survey data.
Presentation delivered by Dr. DingXin Cheng, Director of the California Pavement Preservation Center at CSU Chico to the CalAPA Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference, Oct. 24-25, 2018 in Sacramento.
The document summarizes MTC's regional asset management program for streets and roads in the San Francisco Bay Area. The program uses StreetSaver software to collect pavement condition data across 109 jurisdictions. MTC provides funding incentives for preventative maintenance based on a jurisdiction's actual spending compared to StreetSaver recommendations. The program has improved road conditions while gaining local support through performance-based accountability and advocacy.
Market analysis of user-financed FTTP system in Palo AltoStephen Blum
The market potential and business case for a user-financed fiber to the premise system in Palo were evaluated by Tellus Venture Associates. Steve Blum, the president of the company, presented the findings to the city's utilities advisory committee on 6 June 2012.
Voice & data assessment presentation rhc 8.2013c3telecom
This document summarizes telecommunications services for a rural healthcare organization and identifies opportunities for savings. It provides an inventory of voice and data services, usage reports, and rate analyses. It identifies that C3 can conduct an assessment to find simple savings averaging 35% by eliminating waste, consolidating unused services, and implementing more efficient plans. C3 also assists with applications for the Healthcare Connect Fund to obtain up to 65% reimbursement for broadband connectivity improvements.
FJ Strategic Solutions Inc. provides facility life cycle costing and reserve study services to help prioritize projects and address risks with limited capital budgets. The facility life cycle costing approach applies analytics to facility data to provide a risk assessment of components and prioritized repair/replacement activities. A funding plan is then created to ensure cash flows are adequate. This process fosters strategic decision making by providing scenarios to evaluate life cycle risks and their impacts.
- The presentation provides an overview of Calix including its strategic focus on the access network, customer mix, revenue growth, and financial targets.
- Calix expects to achieve over 10% annual revenue growth and lower non-GAAP losses in 2017 compared to 2016.
- Key growth drivers include increasing market penetration with new customers, innovation enabling next generation networks, and infrastructure investment programs like the Connect America Fund.
Value of Solar Tariff Methodology: Proposed ApproachJohn Farrell
A presentation on the proposed approach to a value of solar energy methodology for Minnesota utilities. Presented by the Minnesota Department of Commerce and prepared by Clean Power Research, Oct. 1, 2013.
The document discusses American Water, the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company in the United States. It provides an overview of American Water's business, including its market capitalization, revenues, regulated and market-based segments, and growth strategies. American Water aims to invest $1 billion annually in its regulated operations and achieve long-term 7-10% earnings growth through regulated infrastructure spending and acquisitions as well as its market-based business opportunities.
The document provides an analysis of implementing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and a Meter Data Management System (MDM) for the City of College Station's electric and water utilities. It finds that implementing AMI for both electric and water would cost $21.6 million initially and $662,000 annually for operation and maintenance, but only provide a net benefit of $20.2 million over 10 years, resulting in a negative payback. The staff recommendation is to implement electric AMI at a cost of $9.2 million while deferring water AMI to install "AMI ready" meters and consider it in the future.
The document provides an overview of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita's pavement management program. It details the value of the city's street system assets, common funding sources for street maintenance, the city's past spending on street projects, and the benefits of implementing a pavement management program to optimize spending and maintain pavement quality over time. Key aspects of the city's current pavement management program are also summarized, including the pavement condition index system used and analysis of maintenance needs and budgets required to maintain the current average pavement quality.
Features of Successful Inclining Block Water Conservation Rate StructuresThe Texas Network, LLC
This document summarizes key features of successful inclining block water conservation rate structures. It discusses balancing priorities like sustainability, conducting a cost of service analysis, developing conservation rates, financial considerations like reserve policies and fixed cost recovery, examples of block sizing and pricing, and modeling changes in demand from price elasticity. The overall presentation provides guidance on effectively designing and implementing inclining block water rates to promote both conservation and financial sustainability.
This document provides an overview of key considerations for evaluating the project costing, economics, and developing a good business case for solar PV rooftop projects. It discusses various project investment models and how they affect components like warranties, taxes, and revenue sources. The document also outlines the major cost components, factors that influence costs, and approaches to determining tariffs and the levelized cost of energy. Sample calculations and scenarios are presented to compare different projects based on variables like tariffs, incentives, and loan terms. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of long-term energy generation, quality components, financing costs, and tariff patterns over the lifetime of the project.
LEVERAGING BIG DATA FOR INTELLIGENT WATER MANAGEMENTwle-ss
The document discusses how water utilities can leverage big data and artificial intelligence using integrated software from AVEVA and OSIsoft. It describes how their software helps water utilities improve efficiency, optimize assets, ensure safety and quality, and meet regulatory reporting requirements. The software allows utilities to collect data from various sources, store and analyze it in a centralized data hub, and gain insights to improve performance. Case studies show benefits like reducing water loss and deferred capital expenditures.
Final Presentation from Chester Group Rev 0Steven Quenzel
Chester Sensors achieved strong financial results over 8 rounds of simulation, with cumulative profits exceeding competitors by over 50% and the highest stock price. The company differentiated through reliable, cutting-edge sensors produced at affordable prices using automation. Looking ahead, Chester will introduce the highly automated Cyclops line to compete in ultra-high tech sectors while phasing out older product lines. Overall, Chester's focus on product lifecycle, R&D, and cost control supported consistent market leadership.
Harnessing the Power of Data to Improve Your CEDS: Bentley, Cowley, Galenado-web
This presentation was delivered at NADO's Annual Training Conference, held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 9-12, 2017.
Accessing, interpreting, and incorporating the right data are some of the most important tasks in writing an effective and compelling CEDS. This hands-on learning lab will highlight data tools and resources including StatsAmerica, BlastPoint, and the Area Sector Analysis Process (ASAP) that you can use to improve your CEDS and enable stakeholders to make more informed decisions. Make sure to bring your own laptop or tablet to follow along with the live demonstrations.
Marion Bentley, Director, Extension Business & Development Center, USU, Logan, UT
Russell Cowley, Executive Director, Six County AOG, Richfield, UT
Jody Gale, Sevier County & Southern Area Extension Agent, USU Cooperative Extension, Richfield, UT
Carol Rogers, Deputy Director and CIO, Indiana Business Research Center, Indianapolis, IN
Jeremy Shafton, Sales and Marketing Director, BlastPoint, Pittsburgh, PA
Nathan Ohle, Executive Director, Rural Community Assistance Partnership, Washington, DC, Moderator
- The document reports on the third quarter 2017 results and provides guidance for full year 2017 results for TDS Telecom and U.S. Cellular.
- It summarizes key metrics such as total operating revenues, adjusted OIBDA, capital expenditures, and customer connections.
- It notes that U.S. Cellular and HMS management revised long-range forecasts, triggering goodwill impairment losses totaling $262 million for TDS and $370 million for U.S. Cellular.
TDS Telecom reported third quarter 2017 results with the following highlights:
- Total operating revenues were $285 million, down 1% year-over-year.
- Wireline revenues grew 2% driven by growth in IPTV and residential revenue per connection.
- Cable revenues increased 12% from broadband growth of 10%.
- Hosted and Managed Services revenues declined 18% from lower hardware installation spending.
- Adjusted EBITDA was $80 million, up 14% year-over-year, driven by growth in Wireline and Cable offset by declines in Hosted and Managed Services.
The City Council will consider adopting new water and wastewater impact fees at their September 22nd meeting. Staff have completed the necessary studies to calculate maximum allowable fees and are recommending fees significantly lower. The recommended fees are estimated to generate $32.4 million over 10 years to fund $200 million in needed capital projects while keeping utility rate increases lower than otherwise needed. A public hearing will be held before the Council takes action on the impact fee ordinance.
The document discusses a study on customer satisfaction of mobile phone subscribers in India. It provides background information on SIM cards and the growth of mobile subscribers in India. It then outlines the objectives of the study, which are to analyze the relationship between various demographic and service factors and monthly expenditure. The methodology section describes the data collection and cleaning process, as well as the statistical techniques used - cross tabulation, Pareto analysis, and factor analysis. The results section presents the findings of the different association tests and factor analysis. In summary, the document aims to understand customer satisfaction with mobile services in India through statistical analysis of survey data.
Presentation delivered by Dr. DingXin Cheng, Director of the California Pavement Preservation Center at CSU Chico to the CalAPA Fall Asphalt Pavement Conference, Oct. 24-25, 2018 in Sacramento.
Similar to Item # 5&6 - Water & Sewer Rate Study (20)
This report explores the significance of border towns and spaces for strengthening responses to young people on the move. In particular it explores the linkages of young people to local service centres with the aim of further developing service, protection, and support strategies for migrant children in border areas across the region. The report is based on a small-scale fieldwork study in the border towns of Chipata and Katete in Zambia conducted in July 2023. Border towns and spaces provide a rich source of information about issues related to the informal or irregular movement of young people across borders, including smuggling and trafficking. They can help build a picture of the nature and scope of the type of movement young migrants undertake and also the forms of protection available to them. Border towns and spaces also provide a lens through which we can better understand the vulnerabilities of young people on the move and, critically, the strategies they use to navigate challenges and access support.
The findings in this report highlight some of the key factors shaping the experiences and vulnerabilities of young people on the move – particularly their proximity to border spaces and how this affects the risks that they face. The report describes strategies that young people on the move employ to remain below the radar of visibility to state and non-state actors due to fear of arrest, detention, and deportation while also trying to keep themselves safe and access support in border towns. These strategies of (in)visibility provide a way to protect themselves yet at the same time also heighten some of the risks young people face as their vulnerabilities are not always recognised by those who could offer support.
In this report we show that the realities and challenges of life and migration in this region and in Zambia need to be better understood for support to be strengthened and tuned to meet the specific needs of young people on the move. This includes understanding the role of state and non-state stakeholders, the impact of laws and policies and, critically, the experiences of the young people themselves. We provide recommendations for immediate action, recommendations for programming to support young people on the move in the two towns that would reduce risk for young people in this area, and recommendations for longer term policy advocacy.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Working with data is a challenge for many organizations. Nonprofits in particular may need to collect and analyze sensitive, incomplete, and/or biased historical data about people. In this talk, Dr. Cori Faklaris of UNC Charlotte provides an overview of current AI capabilities and weaknesses to consider when integrating current AI technologies into the data workflow. The talk is organized around three takeaways: (1) For better or sometimes worse, AI provides you with “infinite interns.” (2) Give people permission & guardrails to learn what works with these “interns” and what doesn’t. (3) Create a roadmap for adding in more AI to assist nonprofit work, along with strategies for bias mitigation.
RFP for Reno's Community Assistance CenterThis Is Reno
Property appraisals completed in May for downtown Reno’s Community Assistance and Triage Centers (CAC) reveal that repairing the buildings to bring them back into service would cost an estimated $10.1 million—nearly four times the amount previously reported by city staff.
Donate to charity during this holiday seasonSERUDS INDIA
For people who have money and are philanthropic, there are infinite opportunities to gift a needy person or child a Merry Christmas. Even if you are living on a shoestring budget, you will be surprised at how much you can do.
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-to-donate-to-charity-during-this-holiday-season/
#charityforchildren, #donateforchildren, #donateclothesforchildren, #donatebooksforchildren, #donatetoysforchildren, #sponsorforchildren, #sponsorclothesforchildren, #sponsorbooksforchildren, #sponsortoysforchildren, #seruds, #kurnool
Food safety, prepare for the unexpected - So what can be done in order to be ready to address food safety, food Consumers, food producers and manufacturers, food transporters, food businesses, food retailers can ...
Combined Illegal, Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) Vessel List.Christina Parmionova
The best available, up-to-date information on all fishing and related vessels that appear on the illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing vessel lists published by Regional Fisheries Management Organisations (RFMOs) and related organisations. The aim of the site is to improve the effectiveness of the original IUU lists as a tool for a wide variety of stakeholders to better understand and combat illegal fishing and broader fisheries crime.
To date, the following regional organisations maintain or share lists of vessels that have been found to carry out or support IUU fishing within their own or adjacent convention areas and/or species of competence:
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR)
Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT)
General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean (GFCM)
Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC)
International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT)
Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)
Northwest Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (NAFO)
North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC)
North Pacific Fisheries Commission (NPFC)
South East Atlantic Fisheries Organisation (SEAFO)
South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO)
Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)
Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC)
The Combined IUU Fishing Vessel List merges all these sources into one list that provides a single reference point to identify whether a vessel is currently IUU listed. Vessels that have been IUU listed in the past and subsequently delisted (for example because of a change in ownership, or because the vessel is no longer in service) are also retained on the site, so that the site contains a full historic record of IUU listed fishing vessels.
Unlike the IUU lists published on individual RFMO websites, which may update vessel details infrequently or not at all, the Combined IUU Fishing Vessel List is kept up to date with the best available information regarding changes to vessel identity, flag state, ownership, location, and operations.
Monitoring Health for the SDGs - Global Health Statistics 2024 - WHOChristina Parmionova
The 2024 World Health Statistics edition reviews more than 50 health-related indicators from the Sustainable Development Goals and WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work. It also highlights the findings from the Global health estimates 2021, notably the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on life expectancy and healthy life expectancy.
UN WOD 2024 will take us on a journey of discovery through the ocean's vastness, tapping into the wisdom and expertise of global policy-makers, scientists, managers, thought leaders, and artists to awaken new depths of understanding, compassion, collaboration and commitment for the ocean and all it sustains. The program will expand our perspectives and appreciation for our blue planet, build new foundations for our relationship to the ocean, and ignite a wave of action toward necessary change.
United Nations World Oceans Day 2024; June 8th " Awaken new dephts".Christina Parmionova
The program will expand our perspectives and appreciation for our blue planet, build new foundations for our relationship to the ocean, and ignite a wave of action toward necessary change.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
2024: The FAR - Federal Acquisition Regulations, Part 40
Item # 5&6 - Water & Sewer Rate Study
1. CITY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS
ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Robert Galindo, Finance Director
SUBJECT: Water/WasteWater Rate Study and a Meter Assessment
DATE: September 11, 2023
SUMMARY
Willdan Financial Services will be presenting their initial findings for the water and wastewater
rate study and meter assessment.
BACKGROUND
On February 13, 2023, Council approved a resolution to contract with Willdan Financial Services
to perform a comprehensive rate study for water and wastewater and to perform a meter
assessment. The rate study will provide a financial plan for future rate adjustments to fund
operations and needed infrastructure improvements. The last rate study was conducted in 2018 for
water and sewer and it came stated rate increases were needed for 10 years. Water and sewer rates
were increased in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
POLICY ANALYSIS
The Utility Fund is a self-sustaining enterprise fund that relies on user rates to pay for its operations
and infrastructure improvements. The City follows sound financial practices and the rate study
will help develop a viable financial plan for the Utility Fund to continue operations.
FISCAL IMPACT
The rate study for water and wastewater is $24,500.00. The meter assessment will cost a total of
$5,000.00. The total cost will be $29,500.00 and is budgeted in the FY 2023 Utility Fund Budget.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Willdan Rate Presentation
Robert Galindo
Finance Director
Buddy Kuhn
City Manager
2. 2023 Rate Update and
Meter Assessment
CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION
September 11, 2023
Attachment A
4. Business Confidential - Willdan
Staff will have the information needed to educate residents and oversee efficient water use.
Modernizing the Metering System
3
Real-Time Data Enables Significant Capabilities
Operating Analytics
Remote/Automated
Communications
Customer Notifications Leak Detection
Alarms
Customer Portals
Attachment A
5. Provide Residents & Staff Actionable Information
Cloud-Based Access (any web browser)
Provide customers with comprehensive self service
View consumption 24/7
Prevent and manage high bill complaints
Estimated and project bills
User-set thresholds
Leak alerts
Provide staff the tools to operate efficiently
Proactively communicate with customers
Built-in staff notification to customers on potential leaks
Monitor accounts in bulk or by segment
Water restrictions
Abnormal usage (potential leaks)
Real-time data for customer service to diagnose complaints
4
Attachment A
6. Testing performed by MARS
Company in San Antonio
(top of the line testing operation)
20 out of 23 meters failed AWWA
standards at one or all flow rates
Analysis of test results and
current meter population
indicates an inaccuracy of 12.7%
A contractual performance
guarantee of 10% improvement
in accuracy can be incorporated
in a solid-state meter upgrade
Meter Test Results
5
Alamo Heights
Tester: MARS San Antonio 60% 25% 15%
MARS
# Brand Serial # Service Address Size
Accuracy
(%)
Accuracy
(%)
Accuracy
(%) WAA %
MARS
Pass/Fail
Meter
Age
1 Elster 16650618 120 Corona 5/8" 86.7% 94.4% 97.2% 90.2% F 17
2 Neptune 37313858 123 Harrison 5/8" 98.7% 100.4% 99.4% 99.2% P 4
3 Elster 16652613 533 College 5/8" 78.7% 97.4% 95.7% 85.9% F 17
4 Neptune 378313829 216 Claiborne Way 5/8" 98.7% 100.4% 95.7% 98.7% P 17
5 Neptune 14129274 155 Oakview East 5/8" 95.7% 99.4% 99.1% 97.1% F/L 12
6 Elster 16652585 114 Evans 5/8" 87.7% 99.4% 97.1% 92.0% F/LH 17
7 Neptune 36082294 222 Argyle 5/8" 84.7% 99.4% 99.5% 90.6% F/L 6
1 Elster 21755835 904 Estes 5/8" 96.7% 99.4% 98.2% 97.6% F/LH 11
2 Neptune 35464940 622 Ogden 5/8" 97.7% 100.0% 99.6% 98.6% F/L 6
3 Neptune 37260035 220 Grove C 5/8" 96.7% 100.4% 99.0% 98.0% F/L 5
4 Neptune 36962261 219 Harrison 5/8" 90.7% 99.4% 100.0% 94.3% F/L 5
5 Elster 16652630 103 Lamont 5/8" 88.7% 98.4% 96.9% 92.4% F 17
6 Elster 16652223 325 Abiso 5/8" 77.7% 95.4% 94.8% 84.7% F 17
1 Neptune 48547224 202 Chichester 3 5/8" 98.0% 101.0% 99.0% 98.9% F/M 16
2 Neptune 49863154 143 Cloverleaf 5/8" 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% F 17
3 Neptune 53747664 7410 Broadway 3/4" 97.5% 99.1% 99.4% 98.2% F/L 7
4 Neptune 10811719 7231 Broadway 3/4" 98.5% 100.0% 99.3% 99.0% P 2
5 Neptune 49944553 141 Edgewood W 3/4" 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% F 17
1 Neptune 11346959 7307 Broadway 1" 97.6% 100.0% 99.1% 98.4% F/L 2
2 Neptune 54299827 220 Grove A 1" 99.6% 101.9% 99.3% 100.1% F/M 5
3 Badger 6259066 725 College 1" 96.7% 100.0% 99.3% 97.9% F/L 17
4 Badger 6258906 241 Argyle 1" 97.0% 100.0% 99.0% 98.1% F/L 17
5 Badger 6259114 110 Rosemary 1" 96.7% 99.9% 99.6% 97.9% F/L 17
Systemwide Weighted Accuracy 87.29% 11.7
Flow Weight Factor Weighted Results
Low Flow Mid Flow High Flow
Attachment A
7. Selecting a System for Alamo Heights
Regardless of network type, solid-state meters
should be pursued, maintaining high accuracy
throughout system life
Real-time data (AMI) can be delivered through
cellular or fixed-base technology
SAWS is currently pursuing one of the countries
largest fixed-base, solid state meter upgrades
Alamo Heights would not achieve similar
economies of scale and would require
negotiating with CES and increase in long-term
capital assets to be managed
A cellular system is the most cost effective,
when including all networking costs over a 20-
year period
Comprehensive System Upgrade
Cost Comparison of 20-Year Operation
6
Meters Meters
Networking
Networking
Installation
Installation
$-
$1,000,000
$2,000,000
$3,000,000
$4,000,000
$5,000,000
$6,000,000
$7,000,000
Cellular Fixed Base
Hardware Hardware
Software & Data Software & Data
Setup
Setup
Maintenance
$-
$500,000
$1,000,000
$1,500,000
$2,000,000
$2,500,000
$3,000,000
$3,500,000
$4,000,000
Cellular Fixed Base
Network Cost Structure
$3.86 M
$6.21 M
Attachment A
11. 21st Century Water & Wastewater Rate Facts
Average utility has been increasing rates 5-6% per year, a trend that is expected to
continue
American Water Works Association (AWWA) forecasts that water and wastewater
rates across the U.S. will triple in the next 15 years
30-40% of utilities charge rates that do not cover their costs
Rate adjustments are primarily due to reasons beyond a utility’s direct control –
inflation, necessary Capital Improvement Plans, wholesale costs, and other indirect
expenses
10
Attachment A
12. City has not adjusted rates since 2020
Current thin rate margin, capital
improvement needs, and escalating
operating costs are driving a need to
reassess rate plan
Current rates will not continue to
support operating costs, and do not
recover funding for CIP projects or
additional debt service payments for
new debt
New rate plan will include increased
revenue and capital contributions from
meter program
Water and Wastewater Rate Background
11
Attachment A
16. Water and Wastewater Accounts | Test Year 2023
15
Residential 2,482 Residential 2,487
Commercial 175 Commercial 245
Multi-Family 79 School 12
Institutional 21 Total 2,744
Irrigation 360
FH Meters 1
Total 3,118
WATER Customers WASTEWATER Customers
RATE MODEL CUSTOMER CLASS
NOTE: forecast assumes virtually no new growth in customer accounts over next decade
Attachment A
17. Test Year | Retail Water Consumption by Rate Class
16
Residential comprises the
clear majority of
consumption and accounts
within the City.
Most (73%) of the Irrigation
use is Residential Irrigation.
Average monthly
residential usage per
account:
1,536 CF
11,487 Gallons
Residential
62%
Commercial
7%
Multi-Family
5%
Institutional
7%
Irrigation
19%
FH Meters
0%
Attachment A
19. Forecast Operating Costs & Capital Outlay | Combined W/WW
18
This chart excludes debt
service expenses
(except potential debt
associated with meter
change-out).
$450,000 annual
contribution towards
general Capital Outlay
remains constant.
Includes debt and
capital costs associated
with meter-changeout
program.
Overall OpEx increase
averages 6%.
Attachment A
25. Forecast with No Rate Increases
24
With no rate
increases, the fund
balance will be
negative by 2028.
Net Operating
Revenues would
stay positive
through 2024, but
not enough to fund
projects with cash.
Debt coverage
ratios would be
insufficient by 2026.
Attachment A
26. Proposed Rate Plan
Recommend implementing a 5-year rate plan with
adjustments on October 1 of each year 2023 –
2027
Council retains the ability to adjust annually as
necessary
Assumes no change in fundamental rate structure;
uniform percentage adjustments for base and
volume charges
If CIP or operational assumptions change, a
significant impact on the rate plan is to be expected
25
Given the relative
amount of CIP
expenditures and
significant increase in
debt service expenses,
we recommend
reevaluating the rate
plan every 2-3 years
Attachment A
27. Proposed Rate Plan | Summary
26
The proposed rate plan
maintains the current
rate structure, while
increasing rates to cover
operational cost
increases and new debt
service payments.
The combined impact on
average residential
customer bills is
$2.96/month (4.7%) in
year 1.
Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective
Current Oct-23 Oct-24 Oct-25 Oct-26 Oct-27
Monthly Minimum Charge --All Customer Classes
5/8" 3.47
$ 3.78
$ 4.12
$ 4.49
$ 4.90
$ 5.34
$
3/4" 10.42 11.36 12.38 13.49 14.71 16.03
1" 17.36 18.92 20.63 22.48 24.51 26.71
1 1/2" 43.41 47.32 51.58 56.22 61.28 66.79
2" 69.46 75.71 82.53 89.95 98.05 106.87
3" 173.64 189.27 206.30 224.87 245.11 267.17
4" 260.47 283.91 309.46 337.32 367.67 400.77
Residential and Irrigation
Volume Rate Per 100 Cubic Feet
- 500 0.96 1.05 1.14 1.24 1.36 1.48
501 1,000 1.31 1.43 1.56 1.70 1.85 2.02
1,001 2,300 1.89 2.06 2.25 2.45 2.67 2.91
2,301 Above 3.20 3.49 3.80 4.14 4.52 4.92
Volume Rate Per 1,000 Gallons
- 4,000 1.28 1.40 1.52 1.66 1.81 1.97
4,001 7,000 1.75 1.91 2.08 2.27 2.47 2.69
7,001 17,000 2.53 2.75 3.00 3.27 3.57 3.89
17,001 Above 4.28 4.66 5.08 5.54 6.04 6.58
Attachment A
28. Proposed Rate Plan | Summary
27
The proposed rate plan
maintains the current
rate structure, but
increases rates to cover
operational cost
increases and new debt
service payments.
The combined impact on
average residential
customer bills is
$2.96/month (4.7%) in
year 1.
Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective
Current Oct-23 Oct-24 Oct-25 Oct-26 Oct-27
Commercial
Volume Rate Per 100 Cubic Feet
- 500 1.37 1.49 1.63 1.77 1.93 2.11
501 1,000 1.71 1.86 2.03 2.21 2.41 2.63
1,001 2,300 2.29 2.50 2.72 2.97 3.23 3.52
2,301 Above 3.61 3.93 4.29 4.68 5.10 5.55
Volume Rate Per 1,000 Gallons
- 4,000 1.83 2.00 2.18 2.37 2.59 2.82
4,001 7,000 2.29 2.49 2.72 2.96 3.23 3.52
7,001 17,000 3.06 3.34 3.64 3.96 4.32 4.71
17,001 Above 4.83 5.26 5.73 6.25 6.81 7.43
Multi Family and Institutional
Volume Rate Per 100 Cubic Feet
- 500 0.96 1.05 1.14 1.24 1.36 1.48
501 1,000 1.31 1.43 1.56 1.70 1.85 2.02
1,001 2,300 1.89 2.06 2.25 2.45 2.67 2.91
2,301 Above 3.20 3.49 3.80 4.14 4.52 4.92
Volume Rate Per 1,000 Gallons
- 500 1.28 1.40 1.52 1.66 1.81 1.97
501 1,000 1.75 1.91 2.08 2.27 2.47 2.69
1,001 2,300 2.53 2.75 3.00 3.27 3.57 3.89
2,301 Above 4.28 4.66 5.08 5.54 6.04 6.58
Attachment A
29. Proposed Rate Plan | Summary
28
Wastewater base rates
and volume rates
increase at 2% annually
each year of the plan.
Scenario: Scenario 1 | Status Quo
Effective Effective Effective Effective Effective
Current Oct-23 Oct-24 Oct-25 Oct-26 Oct-27
Wastewater Rates - All Customers
Monthly Minimum Charge 25.88
$ 26.40
$ 26.93
$ 27.73
$ 28.57
$ 29.42
$
(Includes 500 Cubic Feet/3,740 Gallons)
Volume Rate per 100 Cubic Feet 4.32
$ 4.41
$ 4.49
$ 4.63
$ 4.77
$ 4.91
$
Volume Rate per 1,000 Gallons 5.77 5.89 6.01 6.19 6.37 6.57
Proposed Wastewater Rate Plan
Attachment A
31. Proposed Rate Plan – Impact on City Utility
30
With $14.0M in
new debt
issuances* and
moderate rate
increases, the
fund is forecast to
remain in sound
financial
condition,
including debt
coverage ratios.
*Assumed 20-year
term debt @ 4%.
Attachment A
32. The proposed rate plan enables the City to fully
fund all water and wastewater costs and CIP over
next decade
Will enable the Utility Fund to operate self-
sufficiently with no need for subsidies from fund
balance
Enables the City to provide safe drinking water
and effectively treat wastewater continually for
forecast period
How Does Rate Plan Benefit Ratepayers & City?
31
Attachment A